spring is really summer as far as florida is concerned

the weather lately has been absolutely delightful! it's been in the low 80s, but with very little humidity (thank goodness!) and a gentle breeze. Dean and I have been taking advantage of the pool here in our complex and it has been goooooood. the first two times we went, Dean was a little hesitant about the water and stayed on the deck by the steps the whole time. he cried and reached for the edge each time I took him away from the safety of his steps.

these past two times, however, have been a whole different story; he loves it again! he's been splashing and kicking and 'swimming' (with me holding him). today, he giggled for five minutes straight when we first got in the water.

also, my body is feeling good again. I fit back into some old pants of mine (really old, like 4 years old) and my shoulders are a little sun-kissed. I may even get a tan this year! (whaaaaaaaat?!?!)

this 'spring' is definitely a welcome one...

...forgive my awkward breathing at the end. apparently standing in a pool is a tough workout.

a personal chef and a birthday

we're all having a hard time moving over here because of the delicious meal we had today. Tom's cousin, Jose Maria, is visiting us for a few days and he is a chef! since today is Juanita's birthday, he made an extra special meal just for her. 

I. won't. stop. eating.

He made leg of lamb, with mashed sweet potatoes, a mango salad and an eggplant dish that I can't pronounce (figures). and now the whole house smells like fresh thyme, too. yay!

this is the first person from Tom's mom side of the family I've ever met. it's a good thing he's cool, and that he can cook so deliciously, because he's setting the tone for the rest of the clan. so, today Juanita took the day off work and spent most of the day with her favorite person, Dean. speaking of Dean, he's finally warming up to Jose Maria. he still doesn't want to be held by him, but he doesn't stare at him like he's never seen anyone so threatening anymore.

...the man of the hour

...and the birthday girl (with Dean, of course). so glad to be able to spend your birthday with you, Juanita. we hope you have a very special one!

say instagram!

a bit of my life lately, from my iphone...

...and life is good lately, except for this awful headache. however, we have some exciting things happening for us soon. I can't wait for the future with our little family. by far my favorite iphone picture is the one of Tom playing with Dean. he's the best father and I'm so glad to be able to call him my husband.

girl's camp pt. 2

...more favorites from last week. loved my girls and the other leaders. made for a great week!

...our little cabin

...team building included cooking our own meals and some obstacle courses

...didn't she look like a girl scout?!?!

girl's camp pt.1

going to girl's camp was the most amazing experience! I always loved girl's camp growing up and I was extremely excited when I was called as camp director. I had such a wonderful time getting to know such lovely girls. it was a very spiritual experience for me, and I think (and hope!) it was for my girls, too. it was really nice to forget about all the things of the world that just plain don't matter and focus on bringing my young women closer to our Heavenly Father and Christ. 

on the flip side, I really missed my Dean-o (and Tom, too!). we talked at camp one time about motherhood and I couldn't help but cry. fortunately, I was able to sneak a few phone calls in and speak with Tom about how everything was going back home. I'm so glad Tom was able to take care of Dean so I could go on this amazing adventure. the church ranch was a really special place where we could all really feel the Spirit. we cooked our meals, sang songs, hiked, huddled together in the cold and drew closer to each other as women and daughters of God.

here are a few favorites from the week...

...hula

...cheetos-toss-onto-shaving-cream-head game

... and of course, lots of funny faces